Washington, DC – The following statement was issued by Janis Searles Jones, CEO of Ocean Conservancy:

“The passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is an achievement for our ocean. The legislation includes funding for improving regional ocean planning, addressing marine debris, investing in coastal resilience, and reducing emissions at ports. But as world leaders gather in Glasgow this week for the Conference of the Parties (COP), the United States need to send a clear signal that we are committed to tackling the climate crisis and building an economy that works for everyone. In order to lead to the transformational change that we truly need, Congress needs to also pass the Build Back Better Act.

“We are excited that the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is now headed to the President’s desk. But the Build Back Better Act is critical for our climate, our ocean, and building a just future. We urge the House and Senate to continue the positive momentum and pass the Build Back Better Act immediately.

“Packaged together, the Build Back Better Act and Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act will make historic investments to address climate change and protect our ocean. It will support large-scale programs to reduce emissions, advance clean energy technology, reduce marine debris, and provide resources to help communities and ecosystems adapt to the inevitable impacts from climate change. It will also protect the Atlantic, Pacific and Eastern Gulf of Mexico from oil and gas development.”

###

Ocean Conservancy experts are available for comment upon request.

Ocean Conservancy is working to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create science-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it. For more information, visit http://www.oceanconservancy.org, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.